After the celebratory Mass for CARIFESTA XIII, held at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, a cultural display attracted many of the congregation to the church yard.
The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown, The Most Reverend Dr. Charles Jason Gordon, addressing the celebratory Mass for CARIFESTA XIII yesterday.
CARIFESTA XIII participants had the opportunity to interact during the celebratory Mass.
Region full of talent
THE Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown believes that the Caribbean is overflowing with talent.
“We have more creativity in our region than many other countries could ever dare to hope for. We produce artists that are world-renowned,” stressed The Most Reverend Dr. Charles Jason Gordon during a celebratory Mass at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral for the Caribbean Festival of Arts – CARIFESTA XIII, which officially got under way yesterday.
The Mass, which attracted CARIFESTA participants, stakeholders and members of the general public, brought to life this year’s theme, “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves”, with colourful, lively and melodious expressions being incorporated into the religious celebration and thanksgiving.
Bishop Gordon, in his message, observed that participants in this festival will have the unique opportunity to share and enjoy God-given gifts of music, dance, art and other cultural expressions.
He said that there is no doubt that art, music, dance and literacy works together play an important role in our societies.
“They appeal to all the senses; they touch our souls. If we look at the literary works of V.S. Naipaul, George Lamming or Jose Marti, we see the society of the day; if we listen to the lyrics of the songs of Bob Marley, David Rudder and Gabby, they tell us stories about the issues of the day.
“Surrounded by all this beauty and talent, how many of you have paused to reflect upon its origin? How many of you have asked yourselves who designed this blueprint upon which your creativity is based? The answer to this question is simple. It is God. God is the original artist,” the Bishop signalled.
A cultural display followed in the churchyard with dance and tuk band rhythms, and an art exhibition in the Church Hall, featuring the original works of members of the diocese under the theme “Windows to the Soul”.